Medicare
Plan comparisons and enrollment help from a local broker
The parts of Medicare
How the parts fit together
Parts A and B: Original Medicare
Part A covers hospital stays (no premium for most). Part B covers doctor visits and outpatient care, with a standard monthly premium set by the federal government.
Part C: Medicare Advantage
A private-plan alternative that bundles A + B + usually D, typically with extras like dental, vision, hearing, and fitness benefits.
Part D: prescription drugs
Part D is prescription drug coverage. You can buy it standalone alongside Original Medicare, or get it bundled into a Medicare Advantage plan. Medigap does not include drug coverage.
Path 1: Original Medicare with a Supplement and Part D
This path pairs federal Medicare (Parts A and B) with a private Medigap supplement to cover cost-sharing, plus a standalone Part D drug plan. You can see any Medicare-accepting doctor or hospital nationwide without referrals, and your out-of-pocket costs become more predictable. It's a strong fit for snowbirds and frequent travelers, and you pay a higher total monthly premium in exchange for that flexibility and predictability.
- Any Medicare provider nationwide, with no network restrictions
- Predictable low out-of-pocket costs
- Well-suited for travelers and snowbirds
Path 2: Medicare Advantage (Part C)
Medicare Advantage delivers your Medicare benefits through a private plan instead of directly through the federal government. A single plan covers everything Parts A and B cover, plus extras. It often charges no additional premium beyond your Part B cost (you still pay your Part B premium). Dental, vision, hearing, and fitness benefits are usually included, and the plan caps your annual in-network out-of-pocket spending. Important considerations: you use the plan's HMO or PPO provider network, prior authorization is often required for specialists and procedures, and benefits can change each year at renewal.
- Often no additional premium (Part B premium still applies)
- Dental, vision, hearing, and fitness typically included
- Annual in-network out-of-pocket maximum caps your risk
Side by side
Original Medicare + Medigap vs. Medicare Advantage
Here's how the two main paths compare across the factors that matter most.
| Original + Medigap | Medicare Advantage | |
|---|---|---|
| Provider access | Any Medicare doctor nationwide | Plan network (HMO or PPO) |
| Monthly cost | Part B + Medigap + Part D | Part B + often no additional |
| Cost predictability | Very predictable with minimal out-of-pocket | Copays vary by service |
| Dental, vision, hearing | Separate coverage needed | Included in many plans |
| Travel | Nationwide access | Limited outside service area |
| Annual plan changes | Benefits standardized by CMS; premiums may increase annually | Benefits & networks change annually |
Key enrollment windows
The dates that really matter
7 months around 65
Initial Enrollment Period
A 7-month window: the 3 months before your 65th birthday month, your birthday month, and the 3 months after. Your first opportunity to enroll in every part of Medicare without restrictions.
Oct 15 – Dec 7
Annual Enrollment Period
Join, switch, or drop a Medicare Advantage or Part D plan — including first-time Part D enrollment and moving from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage (or vice versa). Changes take effect January 1.
Anytime (with penalty)
Late enrollment penalties
Delaying Part B without creditable employer coverage adds a permanent 10% surcharge per 12-month delay. Delaying Part D adds a permanent 1% of the base premium per month you were uncovered.
What's available in your market
Competitive market across all paths
Medicare Advantage
Humana, UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, and BlueCross BlueShield offer plans in most markets. Many counties have multiple plans with no additional premium beyond Part B, with dental, vision, and hearing typically included.
Medicare Supplement
For those newly eligible for Medicare, Plan G is generally the most comprehensive available option. Plan N offers a lower-premium alternative with modest copays. Plan F is still available to those eligible before January 1, 2020.
Part D plans
Multiple standalone prescription drug plans are available. Formularies and preferred pharmacies vary significantly, so comparing your actual prescriptions before you enroll is essential.
Brandon did a great job with our health plans. We're new to South Carolina and both need plans that can be used in New York as well. He knows his job very well — we highly recommend talking to Brandon about your Medicare Supplement plans.
Debby & Don H.
Medicare Supplement clients · South Carolina
Explore by topic
Dig deeper into each Medicare choice
Medicare Advantage (path)
Part C plans that bundle A, B, and usually D — with dental, vision, and hearing extras.
Learn moreMedicare Supplement (path)
Medigap policies that fill the cost-sharing gaps in Original Medicare. Plans F, G, and N compared.
Learn moreMedicare Part D (add-on)
Prescription drug coverage that attaches to a path — standalone with Original Medicare + Medigap, or bundled into Medicare Advantage.
Learn more
Testimonials
What Our Clients Say
Real people. Real guidance. Real peace of mind.
I can't say enough nice things about Will Murdock and the hours he's spent helping me find the best plan. He sat on hold listening to elevator music for hours getting all the kinks worked out with my Medicare and Medicaid.
Stacey R.
Medicare client · South Carolina
Brandon is a wealth of information. He's personable, easy to talk to, and made the crazy world of Medicare make sense. He's my recommendation for friends and family getting ready to become eligible.
Matt L.
New Medicare enrollee · South Carolina
Brandon is super compassionate with older folks. He guided my mom through her Medicare open enrollment so smoothly. Thanks, Brandon.
Melissa F.
Family caregiver · South Carolina
Our Brokerage Partners
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Why work with us
Local Medicare expertise, zero cost
We know the networks
Which plans include your preferred providers — we check every plan against your actual doctors and hospitals before recommending anything.
Independent comparison
Not captive to one carrier. We compare every plan from Humana, UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, and others — unbiased.
Annual plan reviews
Medicare Advantage plans change every year. We proactively review your coverage each fall so you're never caught off-guard by benefit or network changes at renewal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have a question not listed here? Get in touch.
Your Initial Enrollment Period is a 7-month window: the 3 months before your 65th birthday month, your birthday month, and the 3 months after. Enrolling during this window ensures coverage starts on time and avoids late enrollment penalties. If you have creditable employer coverage through an active employer, you may delay without penalty. COBRA, retiree coverage, and marketplace plans do not qualify — contact us before delaying to confirm you're protected.
Original Medicare (Parts A and B) is federal, covering any Medicare provider nationwide. Medicare Advantage delivers your Medicare benefits through a private plan that typically bundles benefits with extras like dental, vision, and hearing, but typically requires network use and may require prior authorization. The right choice depends on your health, providers, and finances.
Part A has no premium for most people. Part B has a standard monthly premium that the federal government adjusts each year. Medicare Advantage plans often have no additional premium beyond Part B, while Medigap supplements add their own monthly premium. Out-of-pocket costs depend on the plan and how you use it — we can run the numbers for your situation.
No. Medigap only works alongside Original Medicare, not alongside a Medicare Advantage plan. You choose one path: Original Medicare + Medigap + Part D, or Medicare Advantage. Carriers are not permitted to sell a Medigap policy to someone enrolled in Medicare Advantage.
Original Medicare (Parts A and B) generally does not cover routine dental, vision, or hearing services. Most Medicare Advantage plans include some dental, vision, and hearing benefits — though coverage varies widely by plan. Standalone dental and vision plans are also available.
Missing your Initial Enrollment Period can trigger permanent Late Enrollment Penalties for Part B (10% of the premium for each 12-month delay) and Part D (1% of the national base premium per uncovered month). You'd also have to wait for the General Enrollment Period (Jan 1 – Mar 31) to enroll in Part B. Some special situations qualify you for a Special Enrollment Period — contact us to find out if you qualify.
Important notice: We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.
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